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climbing plants for trees

Looking to add depth and vertical interest to your garden? Choosing the right climbing plants for trees can transform both native and ornamental landscapes here in New Zealand. Climbing plants create intriguing layers of colour, texture, and life, often supporting local wildlife in the process. Whether your trees are mature or newly planted, well-chosen climbers can soften trunks, fill shade or sun, and even bloom spectacularly. With so many options available, finding the best climbing plants for trees is a rewarding way to enhance your garden’s beauty and biodiversity.

A Philodendron melanochrysum plant with dark green, velvet covered leaves growing in a pot.

Philodendron melanochrysum

Philodendron melanochrysum, also known as the Black Gold Philodendron, is a stunning climbing plant prized for its large, velvety, dark green leaves with striking golden veins. Native to Colombia, it makes a beautiful feature indoors or in sheltered outdoor spaces in New Zealand.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 60 cm
Garden uses: Containers
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Jasminum officinale elegant white flowers.

Jasminum officinale

Jasminum officinale is a much loved climbing plant prized for its masses of small white star shaped flowers and beautiful sweet fragrance through summer. This vigorous jasmine performs very well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for adding scent and charm to outdoor spaces.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
climbing-rose-cecil-brunner-1
Rose Cecil Brunner

Rose 'Cecil Brunner' is a treasured old fashioned climbing rose, admired for its sprays of small, perfectly shaped soft pink flowers and delicate...

From$30.29
grape-albany-surprise-
Grape 'Albany Surprise'

Grape 'Albany Surprise' is a reliable grape variety known for its sweet, flavoursome fruit and strong growth in NZ gardens. This vigorous vine...

From$29.95
rhaphidophora-decursiva-
Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva (Dragon Tail Plant) is a striking tropical climber known for its large, deeply split leaves that become more dramatic as the...

From$44.09
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
Ripe Passion Fruit with yellow pulp and a purple skin.
Passiflora edulis

Passiflora edulis, commonly known as Passion Fruit, is a vigorous climbing vine admired for its exotic flowers and delicious fruit. In NZ gardens, it...

From$21.95
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
cloth-tree-tie-
Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
Philodendron melanochrysum

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Grape, Jasminum, and Juncus, or related Categories - Moss Poles, Evergreen Climbers, and Grapevines.

Search climbing plants for trees

Why Plant Climbers Around Trees?

Introducing climbing plants for trees has multiple benefits. Many climbers naturally scramble up trunks and boughs, bringing colour and fragrance to otherwise bare spaces. Vines and creepers help shade roots, encourage pollinators, and attract birds. Some are evergreen for year-round appeal; others are deciduous, giving vibrant displays through spring, summer, and autumn.

Careful selection is crucial—avoid overly aggressive climbers that may overwhelm or damage tree bark. Instead, look for species designed to co-exist with trees, providing harmony without competition. The key is matching your climber’s growth rate and habit with your tree’s size and temperament.

Top Climbing Plants for Trees

Classic climbers for trees in NZ gardens include Clematis, climbing roses, and native options like Parsonsia (NZ Jasmine). Clematis varieties offer dramatic floral colour and are gentle enough for most garden trees. Climbing roses, meanwhile, bring old-fashioned blooms and a touch of romance, especially when twining through mature trees like the Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree).

Native Parsonsia is shade-tolerant, attracts birds, and remains manageable. For shade, try Vinca minor or Bergenia echoing lush groundcover. The Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant) makes an excellent companion, thriving at the tree’s base and blending seamlessly with climbers above.

Planting and Supporting Climbers

When establishing climbing plants for trees, ensure young vines are guided gently up the trunk or lower branches. Some may need a bit of help early on: a Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants) is perfect for training climbers, providing sturdy support and encouraging upright growth before the plant naturally attaches to the tree.

Plant at least 30cm from the base of the trunk to protect roots and prevent moisture competition. Mulch well. Monitor for pests or disease, and prune annually to keep the climber contained.

Alternatives and Companion Planting

If your space or tree type isn’t suited for a traditional climber, wide-leaved perennials such as Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant) can provide lush groundcover. Indoor favourites—including Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant) and Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)—inspire similar effects around container-grown trees or shaded patios.

Create Height and Harmony

With thoughtful choices and care, climbing plants for trees bring vertical drama, flower and foliage, and ecological value to your home garden. Whether you’re greening up a tall native, framing a flowering specimen, or adding wildlife-friendly layers, climbers are essential tools in any gardener’s palette. Explore our top selections and companion products for a thriving, interconnected landscape.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Photinia 'Red Robin' and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Tilia cordata, Hemerocallis 'Moon Goddess', and Azalea 'Asawa'.
–The Plant Company

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